A box with a whole lot of ‘space’

Today I fired up EnRoute to build the files for the sides of the box. Building files for the Plasma cutter is so much simpler than the CNC router. I only have to think in two dimensions. I imported the sketch I had drawn of the four sides and then used the vector drawing tools to accurately recreate the files. Because all of the lines were the same width I simply drew all of the single lines and then used the offset tool to create thickness.  I neglected to grab a screen shot of the vector lines. Sorry.

Once I had the vectors I sent the CNC files to the MultiCam plasma cutter and watched the magic happen…

The plasma cutter sliced through the 3/16″ thick mild steel plate like butter and in only a few minutes per piece the cutting was done. They all turned out perfect and require only a teeny bot of sanding to get rid of minimal dross. I suspect it will be a whole lot more work to grind the paint off the two pieces and also smooth out the welds on the corners.

I decided that the corners of the box are to be rounded which I’ll accomplish by welding in a quarter section of pipe This meant I needed to make the sides a little thinner on the edges. While I had the plasma cutter all warmed up I also cut the ODYSSEY lettering.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Finished at last

Some projects, particularly those we do for ourselves can seem to take forever. We’ve been slowly but steadily working on finishing all of the details on the new house, which we moved into more than two years ago. Inside we have things pretty much wrapped up but on the outside there was a little more to do. The last area that needed it’s trim was the giant front window. We did the decorative concrete work, which needed to be done first, early last summer. The big projects of last year meant everything was then set aside until they were done. Last month I finally built the routing files and let the MultiCam do it’s magic. On rainy fall days I’ve had the painters busy in the shop doing the base coats and glazes between paying projects. But there haven’t been many rainy days. This week the last of the painting was at last done. It was time to get the trim into place. We brought out the scaffolding and set to work. In a couple of hours the trim was up and finished at last.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

The 411 on the 45 (TSF-45 that is..) – Finishing Part 2

A few weeks ago some of our skilled craftsmen at Coastal showed how to add remarkable texture and dimension to your Precision Board project using our TSF-45 Texture Surface Finish.  We were happy to hear from our loyal readers that the post got their creative wheels turning.

After experimenting with new textures and contemplating the possibilities, the questions are coming in!

What about painting and finishing TSF-45? …So without further ado, here are some tips for finishing your textured piece:

  1. Wood Stain can be used give your wood grain texture a realistic color.  We find that water based stains work the best with the TSF-45 because of its flexibility.
  2. Apply the stain in thick even coats using a chip or foam brush.
  3. Be liberal when applying the stain. Allow it to pool in the recesses of the grain. This will helps give your texture some great added dimension. Don’t worry, if you add to much you can wipe it away with a cotton rag.
  4. Let dry for at least 2 hours or until dry to the touch .
  5. If a darker hue is desired, a second coat can be applied.

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  1. Painting TSF-45 textured pieces is a snap. You can apply your favorite exterior paint directly to the textured surface. No need to sand or prime before or after application of TSF. (Don’t forget that Water based paints work best with TSF since it’s a flexible product)
  2. Brush on your paint following the orientation of your texture.
  3. Do not apply too thick of a first coat, or it could take too long to dry or could orange peel.  A second coat can be applied later if necessary.
  4. Allow your paint to dry over night, preferably under a shop fan.   Read drying and curing times for your specific paint, from the paint manufacturer.

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IMG_5860Time and Cost Savings:

The great thing about TSF-45 is that it can be applied directly to Precision Board Plus.  No sanding or priming needed before applying TSF to Precision Board, or afterward when applying your top coat (paint or stain) to the TSF-45.

Use any type of tooling to achieve the desired texture.  TSF can be applied quickly, and for faster drying and minimum texture, use less amount of it.  A chip brush can give you a low profile texture for the edges or background.

For more information on how to create extraordinary pieces while saving time and money using TSF-45 or any of our other Companion Products, contact our technical sales department at (800) 845-0745 or check out our training videos.

 

 

 

 

Crustacean creation complete

Painting the crab submersible was fun from beginning to end. I began with two coats base coats of gold. Then I did a blend coat with the gold on the bottom and a blend to a deep red on the top. The model instantly came to life.

Once the preliminary colours had a chance to dry thoroughly I started in with the glazes. I started with the bottom of the model. Because I was working alone and the complexity of the shapes I decided to use a small spray gun to apply the glaze in a hurry. Once I had applied the glaze I judiciously wiped it off with a soft towel. Then I worked my way upwards to the top of the piece, first spraying on the glaze and then wiping it off with the towels.  

Once the submersible was done I put the model under the fans to cure. Then multiple coats of taupe paint were slathered on the base and then allowed to dry. A green algae was then sponged on, primarily around the rocks.  Then it was back under the fans before another spray of dark glaze. Once the glaze was dry I applied a some gold dry brush for a little bling and sparkle.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Spring 2016 Sculpture Magic Workshops

Dates set for Spring 2016 Sculpture Magic Workshops
My email box has been full of late with requests for the dates of the next workshop. So full in fact we’ve decided to host TWO Sculpting Magic Workshops this coming spring. After looking over our schedules we have set the dates. The first Sculpting Magic Workshop will be April 15, 16, and 17, 2016. The second Sculpting Magic Workshop is set for April 29, 30 & May 1, 2016. The response has been great already and we look forward to two high energy events. There is space still available in both workshops. For more information go to http://www.imaginationcorporation.com/sculpting-workshop/

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.